Taking care of your siding.

Congratulations on your new exterior siding from A two Z Windows & Doors Calgary! You’ll enjoy the beauty of your new look and Alberta’s drastic temperatures, wind, storms and dusty conditions. Your replacement looks great, and you can rest assured they will keep a bright impression for years to come.

While at first glance, your Calgary siding and trim may look clean and neat, but dust, mud, bugs and webs can build up layers over time. A closer inspection will reveal subtle elements that can affect the finish and integrity of the siding.

To maintain siding quality and integrity as well as keep up with your warranty requirements, we’ve compiled a list of steps you can take to clean your siding safely and properly:

Clean your siding once a year (at least), and repair where necessary to extend the life and beauty of your investment and to prevent further repair expense for years to come. You can even add up to 10 % of the value of your home with new siding.

Cleaning Tips

Safety First, Always. If using a ladder, make sure it is secure, have a friend spot you, and wear a fall harness.

Inspect your siding for any loose laps or damage. You may notice buckling (where water may have infiltrated or the lapping simply came loose). Look at the edges of siding along corners and trim, as well as against windows, doors and any vents. Caulking can also be compromised over time, so if it has peeled, shrunk or weathered away, replace carefully in the same colour originally applied.

Grab your garden hose. This will help with an initial release of dirt and dust, and spider webs (famously found on siding everywhere). Make sure to close all your windows and remove any valuable outside decor that may be vulnerable to the stream. Do not use the pressure washer too close to the siding.NOTE: A power washer is very effective at cleaning siding, however, if you are inexperienced, you could compromise the finish on your siding, trim cement, stucco, paint, caulking and footing. You can also push water unknowingly through the joints that meet to form the wall of siding. This can cause mold and mildew due to the water gathering behind your siding. You also need to be cautious around joints, soffit, fascia, eaves and around windows, doors, lighting fixtures and plugs. Do not use the power washer on your windows or door.

Wash your siding in sections, pour a gallon of warm soapy water (use 15 ml/1 tsp dish washing liquid) with a 125 ml/1/2 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) which you can buy at Rona, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Lowe’s, or Home Depot. Mix well.

Use a telescopic pole with a sponge or soft bristle brush and start at the top. Work in sections (8-10 feet at a time).

You may find mildew here and there on your siding, so it’s best to use some diluted bleach (4:1 water and bleach should work). With a soft sponge, pat the area with the bleach and water. If the stain disappears, it is definitely mildew. If it doesn’t, consult with your siding installer. Stubborn, black spotty stains are probably mildew. Dab the area with a little diluted bleach — if the black disappears, it’s mildew. Clean the area with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wear eye protection and protect plants from splashes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Rinse well with clean warm water.

Rinse thoroughly with your hose, which removes any remaining soap residue. If sprinkles get on the windows, make sure to wipe them down. We’ve got tips on how to clean your windows and doors while you’re at it.

Best time to clean your siding is early in the morning in overcast weather. If the sun is too intense, it could dry the soapy water too quickly leaving streaks. Plan for a few weekends if you don’t have much help.

Repair Your Vinyl,Wood or Fibre-Cement Siding

You can attempt to repair siding if you have the expertise, but if not, it may be best to consult with the exterior experts at A two Z Windows & Doors in Calgary. Get a free estimate in writing first, and discuss the costs of replacement items as well as labour. And don’t forget to ask about repair warranty coverage.